Scripture
Moses and Aaron then went into the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown. Leviticus 9:23-24

Observation
How does God feel about happiness, especially in church? I’m not talking about just a friendly smile, but boisterous gladness, like a table of friends laughing uproariously in a restaurant and everyone listens. Is God irritated or drawn to unrestrained joy?

A pastor asked me recently this very question. What place does joy have in worship. Should we become more somber the closer we come to God? The example of scripture is eye opening. Worshippers shout for joy and then fall on their faces without stopping for breath.

Hundreds of years later, the first Christians would look back on that moment and have this to say about it:

You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect…. (Hebrews 12:18-20; 22-23)

The angels whom God allows nearest to him are filled with joy. If the Lord didn’t enjoy joyfulness he wouldn’t tolerate them long. But there are no drawn faces found near the Lord. Instead there are ecstaticangels, and they of all beings know best how to party.

The verse goes on to say, “…worship God acceptably with reverence and awe….”(Hebrews 12:28). I was raised to think that “acceptability” and “reverence” meant hat off, hands folded, eyes closed and soft organ music. But reverence looks very different to the Lord. We revere God by enjoying him.

Application
Most adults have a happiness governor, that keeps the throttle of excitement constantly under check. Our mother, our father, our teachers and more all encouraged us as children to “settle down” or threatened “don’t make me come back there” if we didn’t. In a world miserly with joy, adults keep children from playing with the contagious stuff too often.

It is time for me to enjoy joy as much as God does.

Prayer
Father, set my spirit free that I may worship you just the way you like it. Amen.